Meet our Personal Lines Team

Lynn Berkhimer

Manager, Personal Lines Department | Licensed Personal Risk Manager

Lynn has been working in the insurance industry for over 25 years. Having joined the Joyce Insurance Group in 1998, Lynn has worked closely with VIP clients. In 2017, Lynn was promoted to Co-Manager of the Personal Lines Department. Lynn is responsible for the production of the Personal Lines team, as well as managing relationships with our insurance company partners. Lynn manages sales reporting, helps implement procedures and provides information to all of her fellow team members. She enjoys being the mother of three handsome boys (who are all active in sports), the outdoors, playing golf, exercising and activities with her children. Lynn resides in Falls Township, PA with her husband Chad and family.

Shane Ostroski

Manager, Personal Lines Department | Licensed Personal Risk Manager

Shane joined Joyce Insurance in 2008 and worked as a personal lines intern during his college career. He acquired his Property and Casualty license in 2012. Shane graduated from Marywood University in Scranton, PA with a degree in Communications. Shane was promoted in 2017 to Co-Manager of the Personal Lines Department and is responsible for the personal lines production and training of 14 staff members in 5 locations. Shane also serves as a board member for Miles for Michael, a local cancer charity. He currently resides in Pittston, PA.

Michele Avvisato

Licensed Personal Risk Manager

Michele is an experienced Licensed Property and Casualty Agent. She has been working in the insurance industry for 39 years. Michele has worked for Joyce Insurance Group for 37 years, producing new business and servicing her valued clients. Michele was also the First Female Mayor of her hometown, Old Forge, PA.

Rich Simoncavage

Licensed Personal Risk Manager

Rich Simoncavage is a Licensed Personal Risk Manager with Joyce Insurance Group. He has been in the insurance business since 1985, in the Nanticoke area. With the acquisition of the Insurance Management Agency in 2001, Rich became a member in the New Business Department, writing Personal Lines Business. Having lived in Nanticoke his entire life, he is well versed on the needs of our Nanticoke clients. Rich resides with his wife of 34 years, Charlene. He is the proud parent of two children, Lindsay, who lives in Australia and son Matt, who lives at home.

Joy Chesney

Licensed Personal Risk Manager

Joy joined Joyce Insurance in 2016 as a Licensed Personal Risk Manager and has worked in the insurance industry for over 17 years. Joy is licensed in Property and Casualty Insurance and is very experienced and knowledgeable in personal lines insurance, such as automobile, homeowner, motorcycles, watercraft, etc. She loves helping you to find great coverages at the most competitive prices, while also explaining the value, benefit and importance of those coverages. Joy lives in Pittston Township with her husband, Charlie.

Peggy Evanitsky

Licensed Personal Risk Manager

Peggy Evanitsky brings 14 years’ of insurance experience to Joyce Insurance Group. She joined the agency in 2007. Her duties as a Personal Risk Manager include servicing our valued clients and providing the best service and coverage possible. Prior to residing in Old Forge, she lived in Scranton for many years. Peggy enjoys spending time with her three children Michelle, T.J. and Mark and her four grandchildren Rui, William, Molly Ann and Anthony.

Rachael Saunders

LICENSED PERSONAL RISK MANAGER

Rachael joined the agency in January 2019, bringing with her 20 years of insurance industry experience. She enjoys providing exceptional service and ensuring all clients receive proper coverage. Rachael holds Property and Casualty, Life and Health Insurance licenses in the state of Pennsylvania.

Rachael resides in West Pittston with her husband, 4 children, and their dog. As an avid New York Yankee fan, she likes cheering on her beloved “Bronx Bombers”.

Karen Yackanicz

Licensed Personal Risk Manager

Karen Yackanicz is a Licensed Personal Risk Manager, servicing all types of personal insurance. Karen started her career in insurance while she was in high school, and then she completed several college courses. Karen’s insurance career spanned several agencies. With the acquisition of the Pachence Agency in 1995, Karen became a member of the Joyce Insurance Group. Karen enjoys boating and camping in the summer at Thousand Island in NY. Karen currently resides in Beaver Meadows, PA with family and dog Missy.

Mike Bendas

Licensed Personal Risk Manager

Mike graduated from Rider University with a degree in Business and Finance. He served 20 months in the U.S. Army as a combat medic and shortly after began working for the City of Allentown as an Accountant. Mike has a property and casualty insurance license, along with 30 plus years in the insurance industry. Before working for Joyce Insurance Group, Mike was an agent for John Hancock and Atlantic Insurance Agency. He is married to his wife Donna and has 3 children and 7 grandchildren.

Patrick J. Ratchford

Personal Lines Agent

Pat is a graduate of Pittston Area High School, Yatesville, PA, and Wilkes College, Wilkes-Barre, PA, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce and Finance, and was also a member of the football team. In 1973, he began his career in the insurance business as a life, property and casualty, and registered representative, where he won numerous sales awards, and was a member of Prudential’s Leader Roundtable, retiring in 2002. He has been an insurance agent with Joyce Insurance since 2002. Pat is a member of Queen of the Apostles Church in Avoca, a former president of Duryea Teeners Baseball, Hughestown Flag Football, as well as a long time volunteer coach of football, baseball, and basketball. Pat was honored with a testimonial in 2008 for his years of service to local youth sports. Pat is married to the former Maudeen Algar, has four children, Maudeen, Patrick, Douglas, and Gregory. He also has six grandchildren and resides in Duryea.Anchor

Maria Fabbo

Service Processor

Maria has been in the insurance industry for 53 years. She is the first face you see when you walk into our Old Forge office and handles the everyday clerical, billing, and service. Maria is a lifelong resident of Old Forge and is very familiar with all of our Old Forge clients.

Rose Perkowski

Service Processor

Rose Perkowski has been working in insurance since 1982. With the acquisition of the Insurance Management Agency in Nanticoke in 2001, Rose took on the job of a dedicated Service Processor. She handles endorsements, renewals, and solving problems. Rose is a vital part of the Nanticoke Office. She resides in Wapwallopen and is the proud mother of two daughters and a proud grandmother to one grandson.

Marie Rodriguez

Service Processor

Marie graduated from The Institute of Business and Technology with a degree in business. She worked for All State and Atlantic Insurance Agency as a customer service representative, and has a total of 18 years of experience in the insurance industry. Marie speaks fluent Spanish and is very personable. She currently resides in Allentown with her husband and three daughters.